Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Hair Loss

Yes, I've been losing hair again. When I started on Methotrexate, for a while my hair was coming out in the shower and gathering in a little clump that I'd have to kick down the drain. Not the best thing to do, I know, but, ick, disgusting! Why is that hair looks so fabulous on your head but is so absolutely sickening when no longer attached to your being???? Blech!

That hair loss finally stopped, thank god, but now Round 2 of the shower kick-downs has begun. And I've been finding loose hairs everywhere around my apartment, which isn't usual. OK, the average person does shed 25-100 hairs a day, but this is way more than that.

Why? I can only think it's because of the stress of being unemployed and worrying about things. I honestly don't feel like I'm totally freaked out about things – really, I'm not! – but, needless to say, the situation does have its emotionally trying moments. I had to go in to my old office to sign my final severance release – stress. I've been figuring out how I'll pay for five prescriptions for RA alone (one of which costs $23,000 a year) when my benefits run out – stress. I've been thinking about how I'll take care of myself years down the road when I retire now that I don't have a pension in place – stress. You get the picture.

Result: hair everywhere! The technical term for this stress type of hair loss: telogen effluvium. The type that occurs because of the Methotrexate: anagen effluvium. Or, actually, if you read closely, the stress and the start of the new medication could both have caused the first type of hair loss... Whatever! Any way you look at it, I'm losing hair.

Not that anyone on the street would notice. A friend I met for lunch yesterday said she'd expected to see bald patches on my head from what I'd described, but, still, I know what's washing down my drain, and that's dramatic enough for me.

Yet, despite all that, it has been an exciting time. I've launched my new blog, A Capacity for Joy, this past Monday. I've already been approached about writing an architecture piece for a new online magazine based on one of my blog entries. I'm eagerly thinking about what new job opportunities lie ahead for me. I've spent time catching up with family and friends, and I've realized once again what a truly great support network I have.

14 comments:

Oh mate, so not what you need right now!! I think you're right, stress is sometimes subconscious and you have a lot on your plate. I remember reading that one way to counteract mtx hairloss was to increase the folic acid, and the others were various hair treatments. There is stuff out there to help, I'll try and find the info later as Im off for some snooze but maybe someone will beat me to it and give you some more constructive advice. Awesome about the article though!! And thanks for the bike training thing, I will try it :D Keep your chin up!

Hey Squirrel! Thx re the folic acid – I'm on 5mg/daily, which I is pretty high from all I've read, so I think I'm good on that front. I'm sure the hair will settle down once my life settles down...and thx for your offer of research!

Your new blog is beautiful! Your stress has been incredible. You know stress comes from the bad and the good. So you have pretty much had a double whammy. Hope it settles and you keep your hair. I'm not sorry to say I'm glad to be off the mtx, even though I have tons of hair to spare!

I've checked out your new blog! It's great, the pictures are beautiful. They certainly create a lot of envy and dreams. Methotrexate and prednisone caused hair lose for me. Every time the vacuum lost suction or the computer chairs quit rolling my husband would look at me as he pulled clumps of hair out. Fantastic news about the architecture piece. I'm sure you will find more and more opportunities waiting out there for you!

Ack! Laurie, more hair loss sounds like yet another thing you don't need right now. How frustrating! I hope you find the perfect job soon (well, just as soon as you get a nice vacation, since you might not get one for a while after you start your next position).

On another note, did you change your blog template? It looks different. Or maybe I'm imagining things.

Thx so much, Joan and Cindy, re the new blog! As for the hair loss, well, what can you do!

Hey Wren! No, the blog template is the same – maybe it just looks a little different cause they're aren't a lot of pictures right now? Hope all is well with you, thx for your kind wishes and stay away from the digitalis haha!

My hairdresser once told me that when you have a super stressful event, you'll lose hair about three months later - apparently, it takes a while for emotional upsets to be expressed by your hair. Ask your doctor or naturopath to give you B12 injections, they really help.

also, you may qualify for the Trillium Drug Program to help pay for your medications - ask your pharmacist for an application form.

I have noticed way more hair in the bottom of the showere due to mtx, but due to having thick hair had not noticed much thinning. However, I believe mtx has completely changed my hair texture. It's much more curly and much more coarse now. I like the curls, not the coarseness.

Methotrexate does the same thing to my hair. At the dinner table the other night everyone complained about hair in their food. Maybe I need to start wearing a hair net? I just told them for every hair they find in their food, it will bring them that much more luck in life.

Last time I was on methotrexate the only person who could really tell was my hairdresser and she noticed without me saying anything which made me feel I wasn't crazy. You are so right, it is beautiful on the head but digusting in the drain, sink, on your clothes, and in your food. :(

My hair comes out in clumps, too - and you're right, it's absolutely disgusting. I'm so tempted to let it go down the shower drain, but I've had cause to regret that too many times now. It's also all over my pillow, my car and the white throw on my couch. I don't know how I have any left.

I can so relate to the sentiment. I've never been overly attached to my appearance... but when my daughter told me that I needed to start wearing a hat when we go out (or a purple bandanna maybe) because I'm going bald on top... it was kind of an ouch moment... eventually maybe it will stop, but I have always had thin hair to begin with and this is just... the next wonderful thing in a wonderful condition...

About Me

Disclaimer

I'm not a doctor. The information on this blog is intended for general knowledge and personal interest only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult your physician for any health issues.

It's important to realize that my experiences with rheumatoid arthritis are unique to me. Each person experiences this disease in his/her own way, with unique symptoms and reactions to medications. Good luck on your journey.